Napa Valley, CA (September 8, 2022) — Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is thrilled to announce their partnership with the Mazzei family of Chianti Classico, based in the historic property of Castello di Fonterutoli. Established in 1435, the Mazzei family is widely considered one of the founding families of Chianti Classico. Today, the winery remains family-owned after 25 generations and is one of the most awarded wineries in Tuscany. The exclusive import partnership also includes the Mazzei family’s additional properties: Belguardo in Maremma, Zisola in Sicily and Villa Marcello in the Veneto, and joins Cà Romé in Demeine Estates’ expanding Italian portfolio.
“We’re honored to represent the Mazzei family and their estates exclusively in the United States market,” says Demeine Estates President, Philana Bouvier. “They bring a rare combination of extensive legacy, esteemed wines, long-held values and innovative spirit to one of the world’s most renowned wine regions, and we are proud to share their deeply rich history with our relationships across the country.”
Two generations of the Mazzei family reside at the estate and lead the winery. Siblings Filippo and Francesco Mazzei serve as Managing Directors, while Filippo’s son Giovanni Mazzei is Export Director and his cousin Lapo Mazzei is Retail and DTC Director. The generational legacy of Mazzei focuses on the balance of history and innovation, carrying forward historic vineyards and winemaking knowledge while embracing research and technology. The state of the art renovated winery cellar is designed by Filippo and Francesco’s sister, architect Agnese Mazzei.
Castello di Fonterutoli, the primary estate of the Mazzei family where their acclaimed Chianti Classico is produced, includes 110 hectares under vine across five diverse vineyard sites. These are further divided into 120 single plots with a range of elevations, soil types, and overall terroirs. Each “microzone” is managed separately with the help of massal and clonal research. The estate is renowned for its Gran Selezione vineyard sites, two of which are bottled as single vineyard wines.
“In Demeine Estates, we have found a partner that reflects our values and will bring our wines into the market with dedication and perseverance,” says Export Director Giovanni Mazzei. “Their focus on family, quality and sustainability in their winery partners inspires us for our collaboration.”
With the ideation of “our past is our future,” the winery philosophy focuses on indigenous varietals that express the identity of the region and promotes sustainability through the health of the ecosystem. Their no-waste method of vineyard management and winemaking avoids finite resources, maximizes water reserves and preserves biodiversity, while offsetting carbon emissions to ensure that their long family legacy and historic vineyards continue to thrive for future generations.
“As one of the longest tenured producers in Chianti Classico, this partnership is an important alignment for Demeine Estates and our values, as well as an invaluable opportunity for our young company,” says Demeine Estates SVP of Marketing and Global Brand Strategy, Scott Diaz.
Demeine Estates will be importing the admired flagship wines of Marchesi Mazzei, which are the Castello Fonterutoli Gran Selezione, which honors the family seat in Chianti Classico, the Siepi Toscana IGT and the Concerto di Fonterutoli Toscana IGT. Additional wines from Tuscany include the single vineyard Badiolà and Vicoregio 36 Gran Seleziones, as well as the Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo, and the Chianti Classico Fonterutoli. From the Mazzei family’s other estates, Demeine Estates will be importing the Belguardo reds and whites from the up-and-coming winemaking frontier of Maremma, and Sicilian benchmark Nero D’Avola from Zisola. They will also be importing haut couture Prosecco from Villa Marcello.
“It has been a great pleasure watching our team at Demeine Estates build this luxury portfolio of wineries,” says Lawrence Wine Estates Managing Partner Carlton McCoy. “Philana and Scott have shared nothing but enthusiasm about creating a long-term relationship with these wonderful estates. As one of the great winemaking families of the world, the Mazzeis have continued to raise the bar in regions like Chianti for centuries, and we look forward to being their ambassador’s here in the US.”
About Demeine Estates
Based in the heart of Napa Valley, California Demeine Estates is a family-owned importer and marketer of the world’s finest wines. A leader in luxury wines, Demeine Estates sets the standard in exceptional marketing, fine wine sales, and distribution services. Founded by The Lawrence family and Carlton McCoy Jr., MS, and led by President Philana Bouvier, Demeine Estates curated portfolio also consists of both family-owned domestic and international producers who represent exceptional wines anchored by quality viticulture. For more information visit www.demeineestates.com
About Mazzei
The Mazzei family have been leaders in Chianti Classico since the winery was established in 1435. The family has resided at Castello di Fonterutoli, the home of their famous wines, for 25 generations. Today the winery is run by brothers Francesco and Filippo Mazzei, as well as Filippo’s son Giovanni. Their global history stretches back to Ser Lapo Mazzei, who authored the first document mentioning “Chianti wine.” Marchesi Mazzei, the wine brand of the family, has continued to grow and modernize, focusing on innovation and sustainability and acquiring estates in other regions of Italy, while still respecting and building upon the history of the region and the family.
